The air fryer (or air fryer/oil-free fryer) has become the essential cooking appliance for combining healthy and delicious meals. But how do you use it properly? What cooking time is needed for fresh fries or a roast chicken? This comprehensive guide reveals all the secrets to mastering your appliance like a pro.
🌡️ Airfryer Cooking Time: The Summary Table
To ensure your recipes are successful, the golden rule is often to reduce the temperature by 20°C compared to a conventional oven.
Cooking time chart by food
| Food | Temperature | Cooking time | Action required |
| Fresh fries | 180°C | 20-25 min | Shake 2 to 3 times |
| Frozen fries | 200°C | 15-18 min | Shake halfway through cooking |
| Chicken (Thighs) | 180°C | 22-25 min | Turn over halfway through cooking |
| Salmon (Pâté) | 180°C | 8-12 min | None |
| Beef steak | 200°C | 6-10 min | Depending on thickness |
| Broccoli / Vegetables | 180°C | 10-15 min | Spray with oil |
🧐 Airfryer FAQ: Answers to your frequently asked questions
Do you need to preheat your air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but highly recommended for red meat and pastries. Run the appliance empty for 3 to 5 minutes at the desired temperature for perfect searing.
Which paper to use: Sulphur-coated or Aluminium?
Parchment paper is ideal for preventing food from sticking. However, always use perforated parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers, or ensure that the food completely covers the surface to prevent the paper from blowing towards the heating element.
How to get crispy fries in an Airfryer?
For a result worthy of traditional deep-frying:
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Soaking: Leave your fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove the starch.
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Drying: Wipe them thoroughly with a dry cloth.
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Oil: Mix them with just one tablespoon of oil before placing them in the basket.
🚀 5 Expert Tips to Optimize Your Usage
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Never overload the basket: Hot air must circulate freely around 360°. If the basket is too full, your food will be mushy.
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Use an oil sprayer: This allows for even distribution of fat for only a few calories.
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The anti-smoke tip: If you are cooking fatty foods (bacon, duck), place a little water or a slice of bread at the bottom of the pot to absorb the burning fat.
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Restore yesterday's crispness: The Airfryer is the best tool for reheating pizzas, spring rolls, or pastries. 3 minutes at 160°C is all it takes.
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Quick cleaning: After each use, clean the basket with hot water and dish soap to prevent the accumulation of carbonized residue.
🥗 Why switch to oil-free cooking?
Besides reducing fat by 80% , the air fryer is more economical than a traditional oven. It consumes less electricity and doesn't require prolonged preheating. It's the number one ally for healthy recipes and batch cooking .
